The world of online marketing and advertising is a new and evolving place that few people – if any – truly understand. Whether you are trying to opt for podcast marketing (by producing top-rate podcasts with the help of firms like Caspian Studios) or content marketing, or social media marketing, it is always nice to seek the help of experts.

Likewise, it would be the same for this–whether you are trying to optimize your site’s content (to reach more customers and gain more popularity on the Internet) for search engines (SEO), trying to increase your site’s exposure through less conventional below the line or viral marketing campaigns, or simply trying to get Google, Yahoo!, and MSN/Live to index your site, unless you are one of the more savvy individuals on the web, it’s nice to have help from the professionals.

However, it cannot be denied that physical marketing, where people can interact with professionals, see products, and test them, always draws more attention. Digital marketing has made it simple to promote a brand on social networking sites, which is also quite cost-effective, but awesome trade show displays, booth displays, and so on, tend to hold a different place entirely. When people physically touch something, they always remember it; however, on digital platforms, there are so many advertisements that it is quite possible for them to forget even the brand names.

Trade shows are typically inexpensive ways to market brands and sell products. Though they might not work for businesses like an optometry clinic that either may have to use billboards for advertisement or indulge in digital marketing strategies. Moreover, they can also look for medical organizations that could provide optometry marketing support for such businesses. As for businesses opting for conventional marketing, a simple booth, some technological accessories, and selling charm could be a few inexpensive ways to get small brands on the market. They aim to provide businesses with a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with their potential and current customers.

Apart from that, many businesses promote themselves using classic neon signs in various styles by hanging them outside their restaurants or bars, such as those in Los Angeles. It tends to draw customers’ attention and entice them to try the restaurant. In fact, many advertising agencies use them on billboards to promote other businesses. And it works quite a lot in attracting people.

Anyway, coming back to online marketing, one of our partners, SEOMoz, is a great resource for this type of thing, but don’t take our word for it. SEOMoz has been recognized by Advertising Age as one of the top media and marketing blogs. AdAge’s Power 150 is a ranking of the top English-language media and marketing blogs in the world. The sites listed in the Power 150 represent an almost unending wealth of knowledge for marketing and advertising on the Internet, and although it doesn’t guarantee your website success, it definitely helps you take a step in the right direction.

For the traditional or mainstream marketer, I do post this with a word of caution. Rather, I post it with Steve Rubel‘s words:

It’s very difficult for anyone in marketing to keep up with all the twists [in] the digital space because technology changes so darn fast. It’s like chasing a cheetah. Most marketers – be they clients or agency side – are heads-down running their business. Therefore, companies are creating a new role. They’re hiring people who act as translators between the ultra geeks and the marketers…

Remember, to achieve that next-level of success, it may require employing a professional who eats, sleeps, and breaths online marketing and advertising, espcially if your small/medium enterprise is going head to head with a well established (perhaps even multi-national) corporation.